Related Experiment Videos
Compression force and radiation dose in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program
Gunvor G Waade1, Audun Sanderud1, Solveig Hofvind2
1Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, P.O. 4 St. Olavs Plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway.
European Journal of Radiology
|February 13, 2017
Summary
Mammography compression force varies significantly between screening centers, with little impact on radiation dose. Further research is needed for optimal compression force recommendations in breast cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Breast Cancer Screening
Background:
- Mammography utilizes compression force to reduce breast thickness, aiming to lower radiation dose and enhance image quality.
- Currently, evidence-based guidelines for optimal compression force in mammography are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze variations in compression force and radiation dose across screening centers in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
- To lay the groundwork for establishing evidence-based recommendations for mammographic compression force.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 17,951 screening examinations from January-March 2014 within the NBCSP.
- Data collected from fourteen breast centers using equipment from four different vendors.
- Evaluation of compression force and radiation dose for craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral-oblique (MLO) views of the left breast.
Main Results:
- Mean compression force was 116N (CC: 108N, MLO: 125N), with significant inter-center variations (up to 63N for CC).
- Mean radiation dose was 1.09mGy (CC: 1.04mGy, MLO: 1.14mGy), ranging from 0.55mGy to 1.31mGy.
- Compression force alone showed a negligible impact on radiation dose (r²=0.8%, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Substantial variations in mean compression forces were observed among breast centers.
- Breast characteristics and vendor-specific automated exposure controls may explain the weak correlation between compression force and radiation dose.
- Further investigation into automated exposure control systems and the impact of compression force on dose and image quality is required for individualized recommendations.